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Mission
Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley gives comfort and support to dying individuals and their families and enhances community awareness of end-of-life care.
People we serve
We serve anyone who has a diagnosis of progressive, irreversible illness and whose life is measured in months. Geographically, we provide services to those living in Southern Kennebec Valley. Referrals come from a variety of sources - family or friends, physicians, hospitals, social services, home health agencies or the individuals themselves.
How to request our services
To discuss services for a family member, friend, neighbor or yourself, call Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley at 626-1779. Our staff will work with each individual and family to assess their needs, assign a volunteer, provide appropriate equipment, and referrals.
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What is Hospice?
Hospice emphasizes the quality of life. It is a program of care which assists individuals with a terminal illness live as comfortably and fully as possible during the final months of their lives. While Hospice recognizes that dying is a natural process, our work is an affirmation of life as we support and help our patients, their families and friends to live and cope in the most positive way with a terminal illness.
In medieval times hospices were shelters established by monks where weary travelers could rest and become replenished. The modern concept of hospice, as a place of rest for those traveling the road of life with a terminal illness, originated in the late 1960's in England. In 1974 the first hospice was established in the United States. Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley was incorporated in 1984. It is one of 26 hospice programs in Maine and one of more than 3,000 nationwide.
Our Services:
Support services for the terminally ill: trained volunteers for emotional and practical support, transportation to medical appointments, companionship, comfort, respite for caregivers, errands, free loan of equipment such as hospital bed, wheel chair, commode, etc.
Bereavement services: adult grief support groups, meet daytime and evening; Grieving Children & Teen Program, ages 3-18 years; correspondence program, receive mailings 7 times a year; telephone support, calls of support from a volunteer; volunteer/staff one-on-one support; ecumenical memorial service; school/worksite crisis response.
Community Education: Speakers bureau; worksite programs; hospice trainings for healthcare employees; holiday public workshops; series of community workshops; newsletter; free lending library - books & videos; response to school/worksite deaths
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